john paul ii and could only be changed by another pope. it was one of pope benedict's last official acts before stepping down thursday. no date has been set for the conclave to begin. >> we can expect that meeting to take place before march 1st. and we have no other information until the cardinals decide in the general congregation when the conclave will come. >> reporter: the date change comes amid the news that there will be one less cardinal voting in the conclave. cardinal keith o'brien of scotland is retiring and will not be attending. his resignation as archbishop of st. andrew's was required because he is 75 years old but it comes amid allegations that he was accused of acting inappropriately with four priests. he said he will not attend the conclave because he does not want media attention focused on him during this most important session in rome. in order to have a new pope by the start of holy week on march 24th, the new pope would have to be installed by sunday, march 17th. in new york, lauren green, fox news. >>> good morning.